FrostCal

When to Plant Watermelon in New York

In a typical New York location, start seeds indoors Mar 13 – Mar 20, then transplant outdoors Apr 24 – May 1. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 9 in Elmhurst and as late as May 31 in Corning.

Method Start indoors, then transplant
Days to maturity 70–90 days

Needs warm soil (65F+); start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks after last frost.

Watermelon Planting Dates by City

CityStart indoorsTransplant
New York CityMar 2 – Mar 9Apr 13 – Apr 20
BrooklynMar 4 – Mar 11Apr 15 – Apr 22
QueensMar 5 – Mar 12Apr 16 – Apr 23
ManhattanMar 2 – Mar 9Apr 13 – Apr 20
The BronxMar 4 – Mar 11Apr 15 – Apr 22
Staten IslandMar 5 – Mar 12Apr 16 – Apr 23
BuffaloMar 27 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
JamaicaMar 5 – Mar 12Apr 16 – Apr 23
RochesterMar 27 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
YonkersMar 23 – Mar 30May 4 – May 11
AstoriaMar 2 – Mar 9Apr 13 – Apr 20
SyracuseApr 1 – Apr 8May 13 – May 20
AmherstMar 27 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
ElmhurstFeb 26 – Mar 5Apr 9 – Apr 16
CoronaFeb 26 – Mar 5Apr 9 – Apr 16
AlbanyMar 30 – Apr 6May 11 – May 18
Richmond HillMar 5 – Mar 12Apr 16 – Apr 23
West AlbanyMar 30 – Apr 6May 11 – May 18
GreenburghMar 23 – Mar 30May 4 – May 11
New RochelleMar 4 – Mar 11Apr 15 – Apr 22
South Ozone ParkMar 5 – Mar 12Apr 16 – Apr 23
CheektowagaMar 27 – Apr 3May 8 – May 15
RidgewoodFeb 26 – Mar 5Apr 9 – Apr 16
Mount VernonMar 4 – Mar 11Apr 15 – Apr 22
Forest HillsFeb 26 – Mar 5Apr 9 – Apr 16
Jackson HeightsFeb 26 – Mar 5Apr 9 – Apr 16
BaysideFeb 26 – Mar 5Apr 9 – Apr 16
SchenectadyMar 30 – Apr 6May 11 – May 18
UticaApr 3 – Apr 10May 15 – May 22
BrentwoodMar 13 – Mar 20Apr 24 – May 1

Showing the 30 most populous of 267 New York cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all New York cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant watermelon in New York?

In a typical New York location, start seeds indoors Mar 13 – Mar 20, then transplant outdoors Apr 24 – May 1. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 9 in Elmhurst and as late as May 31 in Corning.

When is the last frost in New York?

The average last spring frost in New York ranges from March 26 in Elmhurst to May 17 in Corning, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.

How long do watermelon take to grow?

Watermelon typically take 70–90 days from planting to harvest. Needs warm soil (65F+); start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks after last frost.

Other Crops in New York

When to plant watermelon in other states

Related Guides